Brenda Drumm, Head of Communications at Mercy International Association (MIA), recently wrote to Pope Leo XIV offering congratulations on his election as successor to Saint Peter. Along with her letter, she enclosed a copy of The Path of Mercy, a book highlighting the life and mission of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.
In a warm and personal reply, Pope Leo expressed gratitude for the prayers and support he has received during his first months in office, and he shared his deep, lifelong connection to the Mercy tradition.
“I have been in a certain sense a devoted follower of Mother Catherine McAuley during my entire life,” the Pope wrote. “Most significantly, my aunt, my mother’s sister, was Sister of Mercy, in the Chicago Province. She was a very important person in my life, and for a time she lived on the campus of Mother McAuley High School in Chicago.”
The Pope also recalled the close relationship between the Augustinians and the Sisters of Mercy, noting the many ways their congregations have worked together through the years. He mentioned visiting the Mercy International Centre in Dublin during his tenure as Prior General, a visit that gave him a first-hand encounter with Mercy’s global story.
The letter reads:
“Dear Brenda
Thank you for your letter of congratulations upon my election as successor to Saint Peter. This has been an incredible two months, and I rely on the prayers of so many good people who have been so supportive and who continue to share in the joy of all that the Holy Spirit is doing in the Church.
I also want to thank you for sending the book “The Path of Mercy”. I have been in a certain sense a devoted follower of Mother Catherine McAuley during my entire life. Most significantly, my aunt, my mother’s sister was Sister of Mercy, in the Chicago Province. She was a very important person in my life, and for a time she lived on the campus of Mother McAuley High School in Chicago. In addition, as you are probably aware, the Augustinians and the Mercy Sisters have worked together in numerous ways through the years. I also visited the Mercy International Centre on one of my visits to Ireland during my years as Prior General.
Please give my regards to the Mercy Sisters and to all your colleagues. Thank you for your prayers, and please be assured of mine.
Sincerely in Christ
Leo PP XIV”
An exciting connection for our Mercy mission and the Holy Father, as we extend our own prayers and gratitude for Pope Leo.